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It was a busy week for me last week. After getting off work I joined a few friends to Kawit, Cavite for some Saturday fun. It’s been a while since I last went out of town to relax so I decided to skip sleep and go on with the trip. Just 15 to 30 minutes away from Manila is a beautiful resort called Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park. It used to be just a small island that the Remullas developed into a resort in the 1970s. Due to economic reasons it had to close but reopened in 1997 and remains so to travelers and families until today.

When we arrived, we were welcomed by the resort’s Managing Director, Gilbert Remulla. If you are a 90s kid, you’ll remember him as a news reporter for ABS-CBN. When I shook hands with him I was quite surprised because he hasn’t changed one bit. Lol!

With Mr. Gilbert Remulla, Island Cove Managing Director

When we got there, we were immediately treated to a hearty breakfast. We were so excited to explore the place so they toured us around. The first stop was the Wildlife Sanctuary where we were greeted by lush green foliage and man-made ponds and rivers for the fish, ducks, and reptiles. Island Cove is a partner of DENR, ISO 9001:2000 certified, and accredited by the Department of Tourism as a triple “A” resort. Many of the sanctuary’s inhabitants are actually rescued species.

Found two cute duckies swimming with koi fishes

This turtle looks like he needs a hug. Too bad he’s too far away from me! I would have taken him home in a heartbeat! Too cute <3

The sanctuary has several ostriches, but these two were the most eager to see us (or be fed). I love how their eyes are so big and expressive and how gorgeous their lashes are. No need for mascara! 😛 Because they can run up to 70 mph, Island Cove made a special runway for them to have space to run around.

And then we got to meet two baby Bengal tigers, Jasmine and Gerald. I love cats so imagine my delight when I saw these wonderful creatures. When we got there they were being fed so I got the chance to feed them as well.

I was able to hold this huge snake. I am honestly afraid of snakes but the men holding it said this guy is so used to people.

The experience was so crazy and scary at the same time. It kept hissing and moving towards my arm while I was holding its neck. Suddenly my whole life flashed before eyes. Haha! It’s very heavy, mind you.

Outside we found more reptiles like iguanas, crocodiles, etc.

This Burmese python needs 10 people to carry it out of the cage. It was previously owned by a private individual. But his neighbors became so afraid of it, he had to take this poor fella out of his residence. And so Island Cove was entrusted by DENR to care for the snake. The caretakers said he’s actually a nice creature; he never bit any of them. Good to know. Haha!

After touring the animal sanctuary, we went to see the other places Island Cove is famous for. They have this giant chessboard which kids and families can use. When I saw it, I immediately thought of Wizard’s Chess from Harry Potter. 🙂

Of course, a resort is incomplete without its water facilities. Recently, Island Cove added a 350-square meter kid-friendly splash park, the biggest in Mega Manila, to the Oceania Water Park (which is now aptly renamed as the Oceania Swim and Splash Park). The splashers and sprayers were imported from Australia. It is guaranteed safe, due to the colorful, water safe rubber flooring (EPDM) installations which minimize the possibility of accidents.

The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash Park have 4 giant slides and enormous inflatables. The whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters. Wowza! They also placed lifeguards certified by the Philippine National Red Cross and can offer basic life support and first aid when needed.

I do not want to bombard you with too may photos so I’m cutting the first part here. In a few days I will be showing you more about Island Cove. Will there be food in that post? Definitely! Meanwhile, here are maps that you can use as guide if you decide to go to Island Cove:

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Hey there! My name is Daphne and I am based in Tampa Bay, Florida.
This blog has been my digital home since 2010. I initially created Metamorphosis as an outlet for my thoughts but eventually focused on my (questionable) style, beauty routines, and adventures.